MEC4416 - Momentum, energy & mass transport in engineering systems

Overview

Unsteady heat conduction, numerical solutions to multi-dimensional conduction problems. Derivation of general governing equations for fluid flow, heat transfer and mass transfer. Free and forced convection heat transfer in laminar and turbulent flow regimes. Fundamentals of mass transfer. Introduction to two-phase heat transfer. Applications to mechanical engineering systems: fuel cells … For more content click the Read More button below.

Unsteady heat conduction, numerical solutions to multi-dimensional conduction problems. Derivation of general governing equations for fluid flow, heat transfer and mass transfer. Free and forced convection heat transfer in laminar and turbulent flow regimes. Fundamentals of mass transfer. Introduction to two-phase heat transfer. Applications to mechanical engineering systems: fuel cells and alternative energy devices, heat pipes in electronics cooling, micro-scale heat transfer and bioheat transfer.

Requisites

Prerequisite

Notes

This unit is not offered in 2025.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

Evaluate engineering problems involving heat conduction by selecting and applying the appropriate tools to model the problem and identifying ways of controlling the system to get the desired outcome.

Select and use appropriate models and tools in order to predict the performance and know how to alter a system to achieve a desired effect in problems involving energy transfer in a fluid medium.

Analyse situations involving mass transfer by exploiting the analogy with conductive and convective heat transfer.

Analyse systems and devices that are widely used in engineering practice to effect heat transfer between fluids.

Teaching approach

Problem-based learning

Simulation or virtual practice

Online learning

Assessment summary

Continuous assessment: 40%

Final assessment: 60%

This unit contains hurdle requirements that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.

Assessment

1 - Project work

2 - Mid-semester test

3 - Practice class submission

4 - Final assessment

Workload requirements

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Learning resources

Technology resources

Other unit costs

The following item is mandatory for practical aspects of the unit and should be purchased at your own cost as you will be reusing them throughout your course.

Calculator